Civil and Human Rights Coalition Mourns Passing of Former Senator Edward Brooke

WASHINGTON –Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to the passing of former Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke III, the first African American popularly elected to the U.S. Senate:

“The passing of Senator Brooke marks a great loss for our nation and the civil rights community. Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time. Senator Brooke was the first African-American popularly elected to the U.S. Senate, but more importantly, he was a gifted and effective lawmaker and strategist who shunned partisan politics and pushed for vital national and civil rights policies.

A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Senator Brooke fought to ensure that every community had a seat at the table. From championing the Fair Housing Act to working to end school segregation, he was a leading voice for equal opportunity and fairness and a vital advocate for ending discrimination in all of its forms. Recognizing this, in 1978, the civil and human rights community presented him with the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award, the community’s highest honor. Today, we honor Senator Brooke’s memory and his long life of public service.”

Wade Henderson is president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference, visit www.civilrights.org.